The center chose among 50 fiction and nonfiction authors nominated by the public, and narrowed down 15 finalists. Director Neil Chethik says the writers are representative of Kentucky's wider literary tradition.

“We’ve had great Kentucky writers since the early 1800s, and many people don’t know them, don’t know their books, so part of what we’re doing is letting Kentucky and the world know how many great writers have come out of this state," he said.

For writers to be chosen, then needed to be deceased, published, have writing of an "enduring stature," and have "connected in a significant way to the Commonwealth of Kentucky."

This year's inductees consist of:

-Children's author Rebecca Caudill, (best known for A Pocketful of Cricket and Tree of Freedom)

-University of Kentucky Professor Thomas D. Clark (best known for A History of Kentucky )